Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail

Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail is a 1.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Randle, Washington that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September.

DISTANCE

1.2 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

55 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Loop

kid friendly

birding

camping

hiking

nature trips

trail running

walking

forest

river

views

wild flowers

wildlife

no dogs

Easy nature trail through 1000 year old huge old growth Cedar, and Douglas fir trees at Mt. Rainier National Park.
The Ohanapecosh River surrounds an island of towering, thousand-year-old Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. Walk the trail to discover the grandeur and peace of this island.
Isolated on the island, these giants have been protected from fire, allowing them to grow to enormous size. You have many trees that are more than 25 ft in circumference, at least one approaching 50 ft, and some over 1,000 years old.

Quick and beautiful loop that can easily done by all levels of experience. It had a cool foot bridge with a gorgeous view of the river. Ancient forest was amazing and the air just smelt so pure (im from NYC so fresh air is rare...lol). Great trail, took about 45 mins to complete!

Great for kids and learning a thing or two. With a 3 year old and 10 week old, short easy hikes with fun stuff to look at are key. Although it is often crowded, this hike has everything a kiddo needs to keep entertained. Huge trees, a fun suspension bridge and a rocky area by the river to throw rocks. If your looking for something your grandma or toddler can do, this is the trail for you. Even if you don't fit those demographics the 1000 year old trees make the short walk worth it.

we stayed at ohanapecosh campground and walked there from the trailhead in the campground (walk to the falls, you'll see the sign for the grove trail toward the highest point of the falls). wore my boots for this section as there are some knots, roots systems and rocks. the trail dumps you out on to 123 across the street. pretty little adventure walk but the grove was insanely busy (Wednesday afternoon in august). this is a great place for people to go who want to be out in nature but don't really get out. also great for kids. little suspension bridge at the end to get to the final loop (we waited in line for about 10 minutes to cross). the loop at the end is 90% boardwalked. not my cup of tea due to all the people and their cell phones and selfies. definite tourist trap. do not recommend for the outdoor enthusiast; you'll just get irritated. great for families and small kids.

This was a great hike if you have small children. It wasn't too long which is great for toddlers or kids who want to walk. There was a neat suspension bridge - only one person across at a time so it kind of took a while with a traffic jam. The trees were neat and we had lunch and played with rocks on the river. I would totally do this walk/hike again if we are in the area.

It was our second time this season to the Grove of the Patriarchs today. It's easy for everyone in our family to hike, everyone on the trails are friendly, and the path is visually engaging all the way through.

We've loved this trail for years and it will stay a favorite.

carolyn a.

7 months ago

More of a tourist trap. Cool bridge and big trees but if your local there are much better adventures out there.

Easy hike for beginner! Had a lot of fun with friends. Going down to the end making our own path and crossing the log tress that was below the trail. I wish it's longer. It would have been better! End up driving up to Reflection Lake and Paradise park. It was over crowded so after our short picnic. We drove back!

It is what it is... 1 mile, gigantic standing trees, downed trees exposing tree rings, river, cable bridge over river and boardwalk paths in flood area and sign displays with the detail. Only recommendation is if your knees make it a struggle going down dirt path stairs bring a tall staff but do not let it keep you away from getting out there. Great for the youngest children walking on their own or younger and carried. Never too young to expose toddlers to the sights, sounds, aroma in this magical tree world.

This hike is a very typical forest hike, it is well maintained and short so good for those with kids. You pass a river, there is a fun bridge, so children would love this. I hiked it with my boyfriend, it was nice and the trees are impressively large but it's not remotely challenging for 2 adults and it was too short to feel like I accomplished something.